The Ohio State secondary is going to take a hit after the Sugar Bowl with the loss of four defensive backs including three starters. That means there will be plenty of open competition for playing time and means that a player like Los Angeles (Calif.) defensive back Byron Moore could step in and have a big role if he ends up picking the Buckeyes.

Moore was originally committed to Southern California and played for the Trojans for one season before moving on to Los Angeles Harbor Community College. The 6-foot-1, 205 pounder now is out looking for a new home and the Buckeyes pulled in an official visit this past weekend and by all reports put on a good show the Golden State product.

"The trip was good and it went really well," Moore said. "Just getting to meet the players and hang out with them made me feel really comfortable and I felt that I really fit in with them. It was just cool hanging out this weekend with them."

Current Ohio State defensive back Orhian Johnson was the host on the trip but Moore admitted that he got a chance to hang with most of the defensive backs and defensive lineman J.T. Moore (no relation).

The three star defensive product has been listed as a safety by Rivals.com in the database but various programs are looking at him to fill different needs. The Buckeyes see a lot of flexibility in Moore and would love the chance to get to see where he would fit in defensively.

"They said that I am a corner/safety type because I am so versatile but that they would start me out as a corner at first," Moore said. "They also said in the nickel package that I could move over to middle safety."

Moore knew plenty about Ohio State before deciding to make the trip out to Columbus (Ohio) and if you are a defensive back it is hard to miss what the Buckeye reputation of sending players to the next level has been.

"They are known for putting defensive backs in the NFL," Moore added "They have something like ten or 11 active DBs in the NFL that are playing. That shows the resume they have of getting guys in the league."

Results are key but he also felt that he could see himself playing for either Taver Johnson or Paul Haynes depending on where he ended up in the mix.

"The staff is really good and down to Earth and was really straightforward," Moore said. "It was nice getting to meet with all of them."

The Buckeyes are not a program that has been known to comb the junior college ranks all that often and that was something that was discussed during Moore's visit.

"Coach Jim Tressel talked about the depth and how they normally don't go after JUCO guys but I am not like the typical JC guy because I was already at USC for a year and then I played at my JC," Moore said. "I am a little more seasoned than where some guys out of high school might be."

And the depth chart also is a big selling point in Ohio State's favor.

"They are losing those starters and need some older guys to lead the way," Moore said. "I think I would be able to come in and be able to compete for playing time if I go there."

Moore will graduate from his junior college in June with his Associate's degree so he won't be signing anywhere during the early JUCO signing period. He plans on making his decision on National Signing Day between Ohio State, LSU, Ole Miss, Oregon State and Tennessee.

"I am pretty much looking for the best fit and seeing where I can play right now," Moore said. "Wherever I feel the most comfortable is where I am going to go."